Gender equity and ‘Men Make Dinner Day’

At the outset I should say that ‘National Men Make Dinner Day’ is a US invention and not celebrated in Australia – although it should be! The sub-heading is important – no barbecues or takeaway pizzas allowed. Founder Sandy Sharkey recommends National Men Make Dinner Day for blokes who are completely lost in the kitchen. “Keep your sense of humour (and a frying pan) and who knows, this could be the start of something beautiful…

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Alternative media (and a plea for alms)

Over the years I have found that readers value my occasional reviews of alternative media, as opposed to fake news or the mainstream media. Since the latter started finding it hard to make money (circa 2010), there have been many start-up newsletters and blogs that seek to go counter to the mainstream media. Some survive (and grow), others fade from view. It is a constant chore to keep up with who’s who in the alt-media…

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FOMM annual subscriber drive

Dear Friends of FOMM, It’s time again to ask for contributions to help meet operating expenses which usually come up at this time of year. I was prompted when a long-term reader wrote a letter (it came in the mail) and tucked a $20 note in as her contribution. It’s not compulsory though, and Friday on My Mind will continue to appear, free and without ads (except for our own outrageous music plugs). Whatever you…

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Hoarding cash in a cashless society

Australians have been hoarding cash, particularly through the first year of Covid-19, despite forecasts that we will be a 98% cashless society by 2024. Even if this prediction from global payments giant FIS comes to pass, some 540,000 Australians will still prefer to use cash. You may recall a flurry of news stories on this topic in March. The research commented on the effect of a de facto ban on cash during the first year…

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